May 14, 2013

Disney Tips/Tricks/Secrets - Part 1: Random

Hardy and I love Barnes & Noble. They always have some awesome deals on
books, even hardback versions. This
past weekend I found a Disney book for only $5.98! It’s titled; The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World Planner
(A complete organizer, journal and keepsake for your unforgettable vacation) by
Susan Veness and Simon Veness.

I started flipping through it the same day; I couldn’t help
myself. And to my amazement, there are
MANY tips/tricks/secrets I never thought or knew about. I thought I would share some of these with
you since most of you like or love Disney as much as I do. If you don’t like Disney…maybe this will
change your mind and inspire you to book yours. Let me know if you do – I’m interested in becoming a travel
agent…no seriously.

This first post will be about random tips for visiting Walt
Disney World (WDW for short).

-STAY COOL - The two best parks to avoid the heat are
Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studio’s, which have the highest percentage of
indoor/air-conditioned attractions.

-Baby Care Center’s - are available in Magic Kingdom,
Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.
They provide Carnation baby formulas (for free) as well as diapers,
sunscreen and some otc medications.
It’s also a great way to take a break from the sun/crowd with your
little one(s).

-Rider Swap – I haven’t personally tried this, but
according to this guide if you are traveling with a small child who doesn’t
meet the rides requirements or is uninterested – ask about Rider Swap. One adult can stay with a nonrider while the
rest of the group rides, then another adult can wait with the nonrider while
the first adults goes straight to the front of the line. This means you only stand in line once. Ask the ride attendant about Rider Swap
before getting in line.

-Fastpass – IT’S FREE so use it when you can. Go to the attraction, look for the
Fastpass distribution boxes (or ask an attendant where they are), put in your
park ticket and a Fastpass will be distributed (unless all of them have been
given for the day). You’ll have to do
this for everyone in your party at the same time so you can all return to the
ride together. You can get a Fastpass
every two hours and immediately after your time slot starts.

ATTRACTIONS RECOMMENDED FOR FASTPASS

Magic Kingdom

Peter Pan’s Flight

Space Mountain

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Splash Mountain

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Jungle Cruise

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Epcot

Soarin’

Mission: Space

Test Track

Maelstrom

Captain EO

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Star Tours

Toy Story Mania!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Voyage of The Little Mermaid

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

Muppet*Vision 3-D

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Dinosaur

Expedition Everest

Kali River Rapids

Primeval Whirl

It’s Tough To Be a Bug!

***Fastpass of course if only available if there’s a long
wait for the attraction.

If the wait is
short, most Fastpass distribution boxes will be closed.

-Apps – there are several Disney apps available for your
convenience.

oIPhone, iPod, iPad

oDisney World Park Hours

oDisney World Wait Times

oDisney World Dining

oDisney World Park Maps

oHidden Mickeys – Disney World

oDisney World Vacation Countdown

oMy Disney Experience – you can connect your current
Disney reservation with this app.